Deconstructing Cole Porter
Naples Players music director points out what's most de-lovely about the lyrics in 'Anything Goes'
Nothing says witty and urbane like a Cole Porter song. His tunes are sophisticated fun, with lyrics that delight and surprise, even upon repeated hearing. And the melodies linger in your mind like the memory of someone you love. Full Story
Classical music and theater converge for two nights
Florida Rep and SWF Symphony mix it up
Music and theater lovers will experience the joy and angst of two of the greatest love stories ever told when the Florida Repertory Theatre and the Southwest Florida Symphony partner to present "Star Crossed Lovers" Saturday, March 7 at 8 pm and Sunday, March 8 at 7 pm at the First Christian Church, Full Story
"We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land: A Plan That Will Work"
By Jimmy Carter (Warner Books, $24.99)
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, sees the current conflict in the Holy Land as a rare opportunity to achieve peace in the Middle East. In his new book, Carter presents a practical, balanced approach in finding common ground between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Full Story
Weak directing muddies 'Doubt'
ARTS COMMENTARY
Doubt: A Parable" is a play that, " when done well, takes you on an emotional roller-coaster, making you switch your sympathies from character to character with each new revelation. The playwright's intention is to create doubt in the viewers, and by doing so, have them examine the nature of doubt and certainty, why we hold the beliefs we do. Full Story
Peter Kleist leaves a legacy of giving
GIVING
Southwest Florida lost a giant in philanthropy last week with the death of Peter David Kleist, a long-time trustee of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation who had a worldwide reputation for charitable giving. Peter died quietly at home Feb. 12 at age 90, surrounded by his loving family. Full Story
COUCH THEATER
[ DVD PREVIEWS & RELEASES ]
PICK OF THE WEEK . " The Inauguration of Barack Obama: A Moment in History" - There already have been a few commemorative DVDs of President Obama's inauguration day, but this offering by ABC News is the best of the bunch. Full Story
Coming events at BIG ARTS
Antares Quartet Antares Quartet comes to BIG ARTS Schein Performance Hall Thursday, Feb. 26, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $41 floor, $46 loge. Antares, comprised of Garrick Zoeter, clarinet; Jesse Mills, violin; Rebecca Patterson, cello; and Eric Huebner, piano, draws from a vast and colorful repertoire for these four instruments, bringing new life to old forms. Full Story
'Wicked' cast set, opens in Fort Myers March 7
Beginning March 7 and running through March 29 "Wicked," the musical tale of the nasty witch from Oz, will have a cast that draws on the original show. Marcie Dodd comes directly from the Broadway company of "Wicked," where she appeared as Elphaba. She will reprise the role on this tour. Full Story
Daryl Hall and John Oates return April 14
Daryl Hall and John Oates return to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 14. Hall and Oates started working together in the early '70s and went on to become the most successful duo in rock history. They joined forces to become pioneers of Rock & Soul. Full Story
James Taylor, Tom Jones coming in April
Las Vegas showman Tom Jones and crooner James Taylor are coming to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in April. Mr. Jones, a global superstar, just released "24 Hours," his first U.S. album release in more than 15 years. Full Story
'ZAP!' is electrifying at Florida Rep
"ZAP!" presented in partnership with Lee County Electric Cooperative, opens in Florida Rep's Lunchbox Theatre Series Saturday, Feb. 28. Sponsored by Pamela Templeton and Fort Myers Toyota, the series for children and families brings theater to life every Saturday morning through April 11 in the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in the Fort Myers River District. Full Story
Going once, going twice! It is Bond, James Bond
Florida Repertory Theatre will highlight four of the most exclusive auction items up for bid in its annual fundraiser, "The Art of Bond, James Bond," on March 28. Held at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in the Fort Myers River District, the centerpiece of the event is an extensive live and silent auction that features some of the finest goods on the Gulf Coast. Full Story
SoapFest draws daytime stars to Marco Island for fundraiser
The 11th annual Southwest Florida SoapFest returns May 2 and 3 to bring the best of daytime television's soap opera stars to Marco Island to raise funds for local children's charities. Full Story
Shell Point art show March 15
The annual Shell Point Art Show and Sale will be held Friday, March 13, through Sunday, March 15. The resident Art Show committee invites the public to view the artwork by talented artists at Shell Point. The exhibit will feature: paintings, pottery, sculptures, stained glass, polished stonework, woodcarvings and unique jewelry. Full Story
Doc Ford's hosts 'Dead Silence' book signing
Doc Ford enthusiasts will be happy to hear that New York Times best-selling author, Randy Wayne White will be signing copies of "Dead Silence," his latest novel in the series, on Sunday, March 8, and Monday, March 9, at Doc Ford's Bar & Grill at the corner of Rabbit and San-Cap roads on Sanibel.. Full Story
Author unmasks Florida's best snorkeling at 'Ding' lecture
From coral reefs to clear springs water, Brad Bertelli showcases the best public snorkeling venues throughout the state in "Snorkeling Florida: 50 Excellent Sites." He will talk about his experiences researching his new book at a special lecture starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, in the "Ding" Darling Education Center. Full Story
Finalists named for Young Artists Awards Gala
Tickets are now available for the Young Artists Awards Gala at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre on Sunday, March 8. The event, showcasing performances by the best of the area's young artists in dance, drama, classical voice, contemporary voice/musical theater and instrumental music, opens with dinner at 6 p.m. and the show following. Full Story
Arts for ACT Gallery offers a chance to meet the artists
Join Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First Street in downtown Fort Myers, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, for its monthly "Meet the Artists" closing exhibit reception. Full Story
Steamroller print workshop offered at FGCU this week
A three-day steamroller print workshop is open to all students and the community and begins Friday, Feb. 27. Each artist will be provided a 2-footby 4-foot masonite plate, high-quality rag paper for one print, basic plate construction materials and instruction regarding building the plate and printing technique. Full Story
Art book store now open
The William North Gallery has launched The Art Book Store, devoted to the painting arts, in Gannon's Antiques & Art Mall in South Fort Myers. The store offers new, used and rare art books at discount prices. Inventory includes coffee table books, biographies, "techniques of the masters," histories, theory and basic how-to instruction books. Full Story
Nature's beauty inspires symphony concerts
Nature's splendor shines in song as the Southwest Florida Symphony Chamber Chorus and Children's Chorus celebrate the wonder of the seashore, the glory of birdsong and the majesty of the sea in two concerts. The Symphony Stained Glass Series concerts "Natural Wonder" will take place Saturday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 p.m. Full Story
'Springtime' exhibit opens at Art League of Fort Myers
The Art League of Fort Myers will host an opening night reception for its members' "Springtime" Fine Arts Show on Friday, March 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the league gallery and gift shop at 1451 Monroe St. in the downtown River District. Admission is free and all are invited. Full Story
Inspired by the sea at Watson MacRae Gallery
The February exhibit at Watson Mac- Rae Gallery, "Fluid Forms," provides a look at three artists who look to the sea for inspiration. Jill Brougher's charcoal drawings of shells, Hollis Jeffcoat's variations on seascapes and Elodie Holmes' liquid-light glass sculptures give this beautiful exhibit a tranquility that exudes from the masterly crafted work. Full Story
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